Details
Brand
Merrell
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Trail Glove 3
Terrain
Trail
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• EVA foam midsole• Toe cap for added protection• Vibram Outsole• Zero drop• Very lightweight• Extreme flexibility
Upper
Many runners feel the upper of the Trail Glove 2 is where the shoe really shines. While the upper of the shoe is still a little wider than some shoes, the shoe is definitely more narrow than the previous version which is something that many runners like. It doesn’t keep the foot warm by any means since it is made of very thin material. However, this thin layer of the upper was made to keep the shoe flexible. Many runners like the narrow fit in some parts of the shoe, while other parts of the shoe fit a little looser. Also, the upper of the shoe is made with protective toe caps, helping to protect your toes from anything you may run into on the trail.
Midsole
Like the outsole of the Merrell Trail Glove 2, there weren’t many changes from the first model in terms of design or features. It still has a full length 4mm thick compressed EVA midsole which provides pretty good shock absorption while keeping the shoe flexible and lightweight.
Outsole
As far as the sole of the Trail Glove 2 goes, it doesn’t have any major changes as compared to the original. The Trail Glove 2 features Vibram outsole. The Vibram outsole is intended to be durable, provide solid traction on the trails. The outsole will withstand many miles on the trail The minimalistic design though does help to keep the outsole of the shoe very flexible. There is also a rock plate and lugs, with special attention to the aggressive lugs in the forefoot area.
Breathability
As expected, the breathability of the Merrell Trail Glove 2 isn’t the greatest, though it isn’t the worst either. With a different design than the original, the Trail Glove 2 breathability changed, the “pores” of the shoes shrinking in size to the previous version. Some reviewers noticed the reduced breathability, while other had no problem with it. It’s worth noting that you make want to consider another shoe if you are looking for superior breathability.
Comfort
Comfort wise, the Merrell Trail Glove 2 does pretty well. Runners like how the fit of the upper is tighter in some spots, then wider in others. Merrell did this intentionally to give extra comfort to the runner’s foot. Additionally, the shock absorbing midsole of the shoe provides the runner with comfort. There is very little cushioning in this shoe, so for runners who find comfort in cushioning, this might be a bit of a change. For what it is, the Trail Glove 2 is a very comfortable trail shoe.
Style
The Merrell Trail Glove 2 is a pretty stylish trail running shoe which is a big step up from the previous version. Available in a few different color options, the shoe has a nice modern look to it. Compared to the previous version of the shoe, many runners are happy with the Trail Glove 2’s newer, more stylish look. The holes in the shoe for breathability have been cut way down in size, giving the upper a much different look.
Durability
The Merrell Trail Glove 2 is a durable trail running shoe. Many runners say the shoe lasts them for hundreds of miles. The feature that provides the most durability is the Vibram outsole. If you’re looking for a trail shoe that you’re going to get a lot of life out of, this may just be the shoe for you.
Protection
As far as protection goes, the Merrel Trail Glove 2 offers good protection. The EVA midsole provides shock absorption, even after many miles on the trail. Aside from the midsole, there is a toe cap protection feature on the upper of the shoe, protecting your toes from rocks, roots and other trail obstacles. These two features together make for a very well protected trail shoe.
Responsiveness
With a low stack height and flexible outsole and midsole, the Merrell Trail Glove 2 has excellent responsiveness. Thanks to the flexibility, the shoe naturally with the foot, allowing good ground feel over any trail. The low stack height keeps runners grounded, quite literally, which also contributes to good ground feel.
Support
The Merrell Trail Glove 2 does not offer a lot of support, though this is expected seeing it’s extremely minimalist design. The point of the shoe is to give the runner a very natural feel. That being said though, the upper still does a good job at holding the foot in place, and the sole of the shoe does a good job at absorbing shock. If you’re looking for a trail shoe with a lot of support though, this probably isn’t the shoe for you.
Terrain
The Merrell Trail Glove 2 should be used on the trail. Whether that be sand, gravel, dirt, etc., different types of trails all work well with the Trail Glove 2. The aggressive lugs make it especially good for more technical trails too. It is recommended that you keep running shoes to the surface they were designed for. Taking the Trail Glove 2 on the roads may result in faster wear of the outsole, especially the lugs.
Price
The Trail Glove 2 initially went for $110. At this price, it’s a pretty affordable trail running shoe, but by no means the cheapest. With the Trail Glove 3 currently out, the price has dropped, making it even more affordable and definitely worth considering. Price depends on size and availability.
Drop
As for the drop on the Merrell Trail Glove 2, there isn’t any. Again, this zero-drop shoe was designed to give the runner a very natural feel while running.
Stability
The Trail Glove 2 doesn’t provide much in the way of stability, being that it is a minimalistic shoe. However, it does support the foot. The shoe is very narrow in some parts, keeping the foot of the runner very locked in and stable. Other parts of the shoe, however, tend to be a little loose, and give the foot a little more freedom of moving around. If you are looking for more of a stable ride, consider another shoe.
Flexibility
This is one of the best parts of the Merrell Trail Glove 2: the flexibility. Since it’s a minimal shoe, the shoe is extremely flexible. It is so flexible, you can nearly roll it into a ball in your hand. This is great for runners who are looking for a flexible shoe that will allow their foot to move in a natural motion.
Traction
As for the traction of the Merrell Trail Glove 2, it’s very good. The outsole of the shoe provides great traction on all types of surfaces, which is very helpful as a trail shoe. The shoe will most likely get the best traction running on the recommended terrain: trails. Additionally, the traction on the outsole is long-lasting and durable, which is another big plus.
Bottom Line
The Merrell Trail Glove 2 is a great minimalistic shoe. Despite its lack of features, it gets the job done extremely well and will last the runner a long time. Many runners had success with the first model of the shoe, and this model of the shoe surely won’t disappoint anyone either. If you’re in the market for a new minimal trail shoe that is extremely lightweight and provides a very natural feel while running, this is the shoe for you.
